RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GLP-1–induced changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in β-cells isolated from Cd38+/+ and Cd38−/− mice. Calcium-mobilizing second messengers were identified by measuring levels of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) and cyclic ADP-ribose (ADPR), using a cyclic enzymatic assay. To locate NAADP- and cyclic ADPR–producing enzyme(s), cellular organelles were separated using the sucrose gradient method.

RESULTS—A GLP-1–induced [Ca2+]i increase showed a cooperative Ca2+ signal, i.e., an initial [Ca2+]i rise mediated by the action of NAADP that was produced in acidic organelles and a subsequent long-lasting increase of [Ca2+]i by the action of cyclic ADPR that was produced in plasma membranes and secretory granules. GLP-1 sequentially stimulated production of NAADP and cyclic ADPR in the organelles through protein kinase A and cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor II. Furthermore, the results showed that NAADP production from acidic organelles governed overall Ca2+ signals, including insulin secretion by GLP-1, and that in addition to CD38, enzymes capable of synthesizing NAADP and/or cyclic ADPR were present in β-cells. These observations were supported by the study with Cd38−/− β-cells, demonstrating production of NAADP, cyclic ADPR, and Ca2+ signal with normal insulin secretion stimulated by GLP-1.

CONCLUSIONS—Our findings demonstrate that the GLP-1–mediated Ca2+ signal for insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells is a cooperative action of NAADP and cyclic ADPR spatiotemporally formed by multiple enzymes.